27 Iconic and Unique Motels Across America

Let us ponder the humble motel. Unlike its sister accommodation, the hotel, the motel feels somehow more American — maybe due to its relative affordability, maybe because so many were dotted along that most American and nostalgic of roads: Route 66. Whatever the reason, just five or six years ago, many were lamenting the end of the motel, with people writing "In Defense Of" articles or heralding the motel's "twilight" years. But while the number of motels might have dropped in the last few decades, the humble motor lodge is not down, and it's definitely not out. In fact, judging by the number of accommodations in this list that have been revamped in the last five years alone, it appears the motel is experiencing something of a resurgence (and the Washington Post, for one, agrees). From mid-coastal Maine to the California deserts, here are the American motels keeping the nostalgia alive. 

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Nashville, Tennessee

The funky and cool Dive Bar Motel recognizes a good guest-attracting gimmick and isn't afraid to employ a few. In addition to being a motel, this place has both an on-site dive bar and a swim club, and each of its rooms is individually designed in a retro-cool theme. But the ultimate in gimmicky fun is each room's "party switch" that activates a disco ball and "dive radio" with four channels: sex, drugs, rock & roll, and sleep. Built in 1956, the motel was renovated and reopened in 2019. Rates start at about $250 per night. 

Los Alamos, California

This city north of Los Angeles might be tiny — it has about 1,600 residents — but you can't say it's not hip. It's home to two refurbished motels on this list, including the rustic chic Alamo, which was redesigned in 2010 to "reflect Georgia O’Keeffe’s signature use of plywood." In addition to its handful of rooms, the motel includes an on-site winery, lawn area, lobby boutique, communal outdoor space (with fire pit), and more. You can book a room here for around $110-$180 per night. 

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Los Alamos, California

The Skyview Motel is also in Los Alamos, and this one features a rustic chic vibe that it merges seamlessly with a second design influence: mid-century modern. With 33 rooms, this property — which originally opened in 1959 — also has an on-site restaurant, heated pool, and working vineyard. Some rooms offer private patios with fire pits, or meet fellow guests in communal gardenscapes. Rooms here go for about $200 per night and up.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Less than an hour north of Albany, this motel offers mostly monochromatic rooms (with some well-placed splashes of vibrant color) that are designed to encourage feelings of "inspiration or relaxation." The Spa City Motor Lodge is located squarely in the center of Saratoga Springs, a town that is abundant with cultural and culinary offerings, but you can also just relax at the motel, which features a shared lounge and atrium and a rooftop seating area. Rooms here average around $300/night.

Miami

This location calls itself a hotel, but it has classic motel beginnings (and the sign out front still says "motel"). Initially opened in 1953, the Vagabond was a Floridian basecamp for Rat Packers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others when they were in town. A 2013 Miami Modern-inspired renovation restored the hotel to its former glory, the crowning jewel of which is the property's pool. An original mosaic-tiled mermaid and poolside bar are all surrounded by lush topical landscaping and comfortable areas for lounging in the sun. The 42 rooms at the Vagabond range from $169 to $219 per night.

Cuba, Missouri
With about as much hipster charm as you'd expect from a small Midwestern town — translation, none — the Wagon Wheel has stayed refreshingly unpretentious. Instead, this octogenarian hotel with the cool neon sign and stone construction has adhered to its quaint Route 66 origins and been awarded a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors gather in Connie's Shoppe for unique, locally made gifts and other items, plus hot morning coffee and evening glasses of wine. Nightly room rates range from around $66 to $128.

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Savannah, Georgia
Just a few years ago, the Thunderbird's 46 guest rooms were revamped in a retro-chic style, but with modern comforts like pillow-topped mattresses and 43-inch flat-screen TVs. You'll also find surprising touches here, like lemonade and popcorn available upon arrival, MoonPies on your pillow, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. And for those who love a good anecdote with their overnight accommodations, this motel — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 — once hosted a "fledgling" Jackson Five, with photo evidence to prove it. Nightly room rates start at under $100.

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Lincolnville, Maine
With the liberal use of white paint, 100% cotton sheets, and the introduction of lots of fun amenities, owner Alice Amory reinvented the 1950s-era Lincolnville in 2015. Guests here can enjoy mid-coastal Maine's freshwater beaches and numerous recreational opportunities. And, at the end of the day, come back to this motel's 4 acres and its swimming pool, lawn games, a coffee and tea room, library room, and decks with ocean views. In-room they'll find record players and books to keep them entertained (but note: no TVs or phones). Nightly rates start at $135.

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Pioneertown, California
According to legend, Gene Autry played poker until sunrise in the Pioneertown Motel's room 9. He also — along with the likes of Roy Rogers, Russell Hayden, and others — helped fund the desert campus the motel sits on. Pioneertown's website notes that "more than 50 films and several television shows were filmed there, most notably 'The Cisco Kid' and 'The Gene Autry Show.'" The motel itself, built in 1946, has new owners that bought the place a few years back and have since added native plant groves and spaces for "passing time with friends," and also incorporated the wares of local artists and designers into its 19 rooms. Amenities include Wi-Fi and a 24-hour lounge. Rates for the pet-friendly rooms are around $200-$300 per night.

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Salida, Colorado
Philip and Kaitlyn Sterling bought the Amigo, a 1950s-era roadside motel, in 2016, and have been pouring "blood, sweat and tears" into it ever since. They've updated the rooms in a chic, retro-yet-modern decor, and added five Airstream rentals on the site. Located in the laid-back mountain town of Salida, the Amigo features limited breakfast offerings, Tuft and Needle king-size mattresses, and is pet-friendly. Rates start at around $150 per night.

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Amarillo, Texas
Do you like a 72-ounce cut of beef with your hotel digs? You can get one at the Big Texan, which is adjacent to the restaurant of the same name (for the record, you can get a much smaller steak, too). Opened in 1960 on Route 66, the around-$100-per-night Big Texan and its surroundings look like an Old West town's Main Street, but it offers the comforts of modern-day, with queen-size or larger beds, HBO, and Jacuzzi tubs. In the summer, there's even a Texas-shaped swimming pool you can cool off in.

Calistoga, California
At one point, this motel's tagline was "Do Napa Differently," and it touts the "mineral pools, whimsical spa, and lawn games" that await travelers after a long day of wine tasting. Formerly the Sunburst Motel, built in the 1940s, Calistoga was renovated just a few years ago and, in addition to majorly freshening up the motel's aesthetics, it's now known for its plethora of activities, which include everything from group hikes, cinema nights, and spa happy hours to bocce ball, cornhole, and board games. Its 50 rooms start at about $300 nightly.

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Brevard, North Carolina
This North Carolina 1950s spot is another example of mid-20th century roadside digs that haven't gotten out of hand with hipster touches. TripAdvisor reviews have earned it the site's coveted Certificate of Excellence, citing the "friendly and informative staff," cleanliness, and location. Thoughtful details include two porch chairs outside each room, a "fun lobby full of vinyl records," and, of course, the red and gold neon sign. Room rates hover north of the $100 mark. 

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Tucumcari, New Mexico
Built along historic Route 66, the Blue Swallow has been acting as a temporary home to travelers for more than 80 years. The rooms' decor is simple yet classic and clean — the decorative chenille bedspreads are a highlight — and each room has an adjacent carport. The real star of this motel is its original neon sign, lit up in vibrant blue, green, and red. The motel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and rates start at around $85 to $140 per night, depending on the season.

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Jackson, Wyoming
Looking for a storied and unique yet incredibly chic spot from which to explore Yellowstone National Park? Housed in a former blacksmith's shop, the 49 rooms of the Anvil have been reimagined with a "mountain-rustic vibe" — think brass fixtures, plenty of wainscoting, wool blankets, and iron bed frames. The motel is close to just about everything that Jackson's downtown has to offer, but if you just don't feel like getting out, head to the on-site Glorietta for elevated Italian fare and a creative cocktail menu. Rates range from around $90 to $120 per night and above $700 in high season.

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Holbrook, Arizona
If you're traveling with little ones, they'll probably delight in sleeping in a wigwam just like Lightning McQueen did at the Cozy Cone. The Wigwam opened in 1950 along Route 66 and is still operated by the same family that started it. Each wigwam features a full bath, cable TV, and heat and AC. Pets can stay for $20 per night, and rates range from $79 to $86.

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San Francisco
Located in the city's Castro neighborhood, Beck's has been around since the late 1950s and has seen its surroundings transform from a working-class Irish area into one of the most well-known LGBTQ neighborhoods in the world. It's run by the granddaughter of its original owners, and in addition to recently renovated guest rooms, features include free Wi-Fi and parking, a private sundeck, and a rooftop beehive colony (the motel is part of a local movement to combat the honeybee colony collapse). Rates start at around $150 per night.

Provincetown, Massachusetts
The former, run-down Cape Inn underwent a major renovation around 2011 and was reintroduced as the Harbor, complete with 100+ refreshed guest rooms and a few suites. With views of Cape Cod Bay, an outdoor heated pool, onsite lounge and restaurant, patio with fire pits, Cabana Bar, and seated dune area, as well as board, card, and yard games, you might never want to leave. But picturesque, vibrant, and LGBTQ-friendly Provincetown beckons, so make sure to set aside some exploring time, too. Nightly rates start at about $150 and can go above $500 in high season.            

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Prescott, Arizona
This little motel in the Southwest with the straightforward name has been around longer than most. It began as summer cabins around 1910, morphing into a motor lodge sometime in the mid-20th century. Today, all 13 of its guest rooms give a different vibe — although decidedly retro in all cases — without being overly hipster in aesthetic. Some have private porches, and a few have gas fireplaces for an extra dose of cozy, and amenities include outdoor fire pits, loaner bikes (to ride nearby to "The Square" and Whiskey Row), and more. Rates start at around $120 per night.

Palm Springs, California
With a mere 10 rooms encircling a center-court pool, hot tub, and fire pit, the Rendezvous is small on footprint but delivers on atmosphere and charm. Not to mention history, considering it hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Gloria Swanson, and Hugh O’Brien dating back to its 1930s origin (when it was named the Mira Loma). Its $180ish-and-up nightly rates include breakfast, and guests can also enjoy the motel's massage studio, plus free Wi-Fi and parking.

Boulder, Colorado
Bumping up against the foothills of Boulder Canyon, Foot of the Mountain opened in 1934 and, though renovated in 2014, retains much of its original charm. Constructed of hewn-pine logs punctuated with pops of red, this motel offers 18 rooms and two suites to those exploring all Boulder has to offer, from the bustling shopping and dining on Pearl Street Mall to hiking, climbing, biking, and plenty more to do outdoors. Amenities include free breakfast, a lending library, outdoor fire pit, and more. The motel is pet-friendly, and rates range from about $100 to $300 nightly, depending on room and season.

Austin, Texas
Located in the Lone Star State's beloved, hip capital city neighborhood of South Congress, the Austin Motel is close to tons of stuff to do, including dining, nightlife, the bat bridge, the State Capitol, and more. Or just hang close to the motel if you need a bit of downtime — there's a pool, lido deck, bodega, and more. With 41 colorful retro-styled guest rooms and suites, this dog-friendly (for a fee) motel charges about $157 and up per night.

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Palm Springs, California
Given its embrace of mid-century modern architecture and design, it should come as no surprise that Palm Springs racks up a second location on this list. And for those who like their motels with a side of ultra-cool pop culture history, the Caliente Tropics Resort has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and other Rat Packers. New owners took over in 2015, and this resort — with Polynesian-themed, tiki-infused charm — now offers tastefully decorated but not overly kitschy decor, along with a pool and spa, onsite restaurant and bar, and more. Rates start at a very reasonable $98 per night.

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Moriarty, New Mexico
Another motel that shares a history with Route 66, the Sunset opened in 1959 and is still owned and operated by members of the original Pogue family. Though largely unassuming, it has just enough fun, vintage design touches to feel special without feeling overly precious. Guests love that the rooms, which start at around $87 per night, are quiet, comfortable, and clean. Amenities include a colorful outdoor courtyard, limited breakfast offerings, and the owners' friendly front office cat, Libby.

Atlantic Beach, Florida
"Uncluttered" is how the owners of this near-beachside motor court lodge explain its design. Its minimalist details include concrete floors and reclaimed wood headboards, and featured amenities include a beer and wine lounge, private courtyard with outdoor fireplace, patio seating, and free beach cruiser and foam board rentals, among other things. The 11-guest room motel was opened in 1947, and accommodations range from around $180-$225 per night.

New Orleans
Built in 1956 and "reimagined" in 2017 as "an exercise in modernized nostalgia," The Drifter maintains its intensely mid-century modern aesthetic while incorporating "local art, hip cuisine, and specialty coffee." So, yeah, it's decidedly hipster and, for the extroverts among us, it hosts fun events like the Disco Ball Variety Show, a '90s Karaoke Pajama Party, Yoga & Mimosa Sundays, and plenty more. But there's also nothing saying you can't just grab a drink at the espresso bar, chill out by the swimming pool, and block out the world. Rates start at around $115 per night.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico
The El Rey was built in 1936 along the original Route 66 and has seen many "additions, renovations, upgrades, and changes" through the years. Most recent was a 2018 renovation that renovated the 86 rooms, added the motel's La Reina bar, and incorporated new areas for guests to discover and explore on its 5-acre grounds. The hotel features adobe construction and a "swim club" with a poolside bar. Rates start at about $160.